We recently heard that one of our own wasn’t feeling well, so we got together for a “Get Well Soon” photo shoot. It started off well enough…

Then we took a goofy one, of course.

Then it just got a little weird…. And Hanothar showed up!”

Here’s hoping you get well soon. The Corps is thinking of you.

That’s a lot of cows.

This month’s Awards and Promotions Ceremony was one for the history books. There was a lot that went on, so here is the recap:

1. All Marines were awarded the new Iron Vanguard Campaign Ribbon.
2. Marine (P) Red was awarded a Heroic Campaign Star for achieving the Challenger title in Season 15 of the gladitorial arena.
3. Three promotions to Marine: Skivs, Taureau, and Rophoo
4. Two promotions to Sergeant: Red and Tydrimoo
5. New Squad assignments:
   1. SHADOW SQUAD:
      1. SHADOW 1: RED
      2. SHADOW 2: TRAUGH
      3. SHADOW 3: RAMBLINGHOOF
      4. SHADOW 4: TAUREAU
   2. TITAN SQUAD:
      1. TITAN 1: TYDRIMOO
      2. TITAN 2: KAIROU
      3. TITAN 3: SKIVS
      4. TITAN 4: ROPHOO
      5. TITAN 5: KANIGIT

That raps up 2014 – bring on the new year! MOORAH!

The following changes to the TCMJ are effective immediately, and have been highlighted for clarity:

Article 20 Guild Bank and Resources

1. Maintenance
   1. The XO has the responsibility for all Corps’ resources, including money. It is his responsibility to manage, organize, and use the resources of the Corps to its greatest benefit.
   2. Once a month, the XO will inspect the Guild Bank and will do the following:
      1. Vendor all usesless items and donate the money to the Guild Bank
      2. Properly organize the Guild Bank
      3. Administer corrective action to those who fail to deposit items in the right tab. Corrective action will be in the form of laps.
2. Deposits
   1. There is no tax within the Corps.
   2. Items and resources donated to the bank become property of the Corps and will be utilized as such.
   3. Deposits will be made in the appropriate tabs:
      1. The first two tabs, “Panda or Lower” are for all items found in Pandaria or lower
      2. The third tab “TMC Uniform” is for PT Uniform pieces, and any item that meets the requirements of the Duty Uniform (Article 16). Members may freely donate and withdraw from this tab as needed / desired.
      3. The other tabs, “Cloth Leather,” “Food,” “Ore Gems,” “Enchant Herb,” are for DRAENOR level materials.
   4. Depositing items in the wrong tab will result in a punishment of 1x Lap around Thunder Bluff per infraction. The XO will oversee laps accrued with relish.
3. Withdrawls
   1. The resources of the Corps are for its members’ progression. Feel free to withdraw what you need for your personal advancement.
   2. Though members are encouraged to take what they need, the resources of the Corps are not to be used for monetary gain. Selling items from the bank for personal gain without clearance from the XO is unauthorized.
   3. If questioned, members must show a need or a clear purpose of benefit to the guild for withdrawn items.
   4. In order to request materials from the Guild Bank, send an in-game mail to the XO titled “Requisition Request.” Outline or list the items required and justification for each. In the absence of the XO, send the requisition request to the Commander or Master Guns.

Kargath, the Butcher, Brackenspore, Tectus, Twins….

Owned.

MOORAH!

Tectus schmectus.

And playing the part of Brackenspore will be our very own Kvin Stormspeak.

Yeah killing Twins was cool, but Gunny totes stole the show.

TCMJ ADDITIONS
SUBJECT: Structure and Promotion Boards
REFERENCES: None

The following additions to the TCMJ are effective immidately:

Article 23 Task Organization / Structure

1. The unit structure of the Azerothian Detachment of Tauren Marines is not the same structure as the Tauren Marine detachments stationed in the Outer Rim. Operational realities and needs require a slightly modified structure. What follows is the ideal structure of the Corps, allowing for variations based on unit manning.
2. A Fire Team is composed of 2x Marines. The leader of this team is the Fire Team Leader and is appointed by the Squad Leader.
3. A Squad is made up of 2x Fire Teams and a Squad Leader for a total of 5x Marines. The Squad Leader is a SGT and appointed by the Command Team.
4. A Platoon is made up of 3x Squads and a Platoon Leader for a total of 16 Marines. The Platoon Leader is an LT and is appointed by the Command Team.
5. A Company is made up of 2-4 Platoons, a Master Gunnery Sergeant, and a Company Commander for a total of 34-66x Marines. See Article 12 for Master Gunnery Sergeant and Company Commander requirements.

Article 24 Promotion Boards

1. The purpose of a Promotion Board is to ensure that a promotee possesses the military bearing and knowledge associated with the sought-after rank. Anyone seeking the rank of Marine First Class or above must pass a Promotion Board to secure promotion.
2. The “Board” is made up of the Command Team and any others that the Command Team invites.
3. The promotee will appear before the board at the appointed time and place in Duty Uniform for review. The Command Team will then conduct the review.
4. In order to assess military bearing, the Command Team will conduct a uniform inspection of the promotee. Uniforms to be inspected will be the PT uniform and the Duty Uniform.
5. In order to assess knowledge, the Command Team will:
   1. Drill the promotee on basic customs and courtesies of the Corps, including but not limited to drill and ceremony, and physical fitness commands
   2. Question the promotee on the History of the Corps
   3. Question the promotee on general knowledge questions pertaining to the sought-after rank, i.e., TCMJ Articles, gearing issues, and known weaknesses of enemy combatants ((aka boss fights))
6. Once the review is completed, the promotee will leave the intimidate area while the Command Team makes its deliberations. A unanimous decision by the Command Team is required to pass a promotee. Once a decision has been reached, the promotee will be invited back before the board and informed of their success or failure. The Command Team will address the reasons for failure, if applicable.
7. Upon passing the Promotion Board, the promotee will receive promotable (P) status.

<Signed>
Täl Skywalker
Tauren Marines
Commanding

In an effort to more clearly display the proud history of the Tauren Marines, the About Us and Corps History page has been updated with a timeline of events. For those about to go before the board: study up. This is our heritage.

“The Light can heal, and the Light can burn!”   

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Promotion Orders
TO: Tauren Marine Corps

To all those who shall see these presents, greetings. The High Chieftain has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of:

Recruit Kairou Sunderhoof

In view of these qualities and their demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, they are promoted to the rank of TAUREN MARINE, effective immediately.

These appointees will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the grade to which appointed, by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto pertaining.

<Signed>
Tal Skywalker
Tauren Marines
Commanding

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Updates to Article 12 of the TCMJ
TO: The Tauren Marine Corps

The following changes (highlighted for conveniences) have been made to Article 12 of the TCMJ. These changes are effective immediately.

——————————————————————————————————————–

2. Marine. 

1. Marines are full-fledged members of the Tauren Marine Corps. They are the standard bearers. They are bulk of the Corps and as such are its lifeblood.They are face-rolling killing machines of bovine fury. They stand apart from other Shu’halo, for they have earned the title of MARINE and NOTHING can ever take that away from them. Once a Marine, always a Marine. MOO-RAH!!
2. To achieve Marine status one must:
   1. Achieve level 100
   2. Complete Basic Training
   3. Achieve “Exalted” reputation with the guild
   4. Be a Recruit for no less than seven days
   5. Fill out an Application ((on the website – this will go on the Roster Page when you are promoted to Marine))
   6. Install the addon MyRolePlay ((Optional but highly recommended))
   7. Compile a Duty and PT uniform in accordance with Article 16
3. Responsibilities: Marines are full members of the Corps. As such, they are authorized to withdraw from the guild bank, receive a repair stipend, and are entitled to the full protection of the Corps while adventuring. Marines also have calendar and guild invite permissions (see Article 21 for more details on recruiting). Marines are expected to represent the Corps with honor, respond to attacks on Thunder Bluff (provided they are not already engaged in another form of game content), and attend certain RP events. They are not required to raid, or engage in any instanced PvP.

 3. Marine First Class (MFC)  

1. MFCs are Marines of the highest order. Their vast experience and tactical competence have turned them into the perfect killing machines. Zealously committed to the interests of Thunder Bluff, and fully understanding their role and place in the Corps, they are counted by their superiors to complete the most vital tasks of the Corps.
2. To achieve the rank of Marine First Class you must:
   1. Complete the following PvP achievements: For the Horde, City Defender, Know Thy Enemy, and That Takes Class
   2. Complete the following PvE achievements: Draenor Dungeon Hero, and Proving Grounds: Gold for your primary spec
   3. Obtain a PvE Set with an average of 630 ilvl
   4. Obtain a full, current Honor PvP Set (Warlords Season 1) including all slots; or else acquire enough honor to have purchased every piece
   5. Obtain the “of Thunder Bluff” title
   6. Be an active Marine for no less than 60 days
   7. Pass the Promotion Board
3. Responsibilities. MFCs are veterans. As such they are authorized more bank withdrawals and a higher repair stipend. MFCs are the Corp’s first choice for PvE and PvP situations, and will be selected ahead of other Marines if slots are scarce. MFCs outrank Marines and are therefore authorized to give appropriate orders to Marines and to take charge in the absence of leadership. MFCs have been full-fledged members for some time and are therefore expected to maintain a higher level of discipline and responsibility and rarely – if ever – fail to do so. They are fully expected to “do the hard things” in PvE and PvP situations, and are fully expected to pull their weight in terms of guild activity, contribute to the guild bank, and attend RP events.

<Signed>
Täl Skywalker
Tauren Marines
Commanding

INTERROGATION REPORT
SUBJECT: Interrogation of Highmaul Ogre
INTERROGATOR: Vorgun Gallyrn

[The Forsaken Contractor Vorgun Gallyrn enters the small, sturdy Orcish hut and puts on his most dashing smile. An Ogre affixed to the wall with strong chains rages.]

Head #1: SMASH PUNY DEAD THING!

Head #2: RIP IT! TEARIT! CRUSH IT! SMASH IT! [It heaves with all its might, but the shackles hold.]

Vorgun: Shhh, numbnuts. I make the threats here. [Slyly, slowly, and with some gravitas, Vorgun draws a long, slim blade beneath his cloak. At the sight of the blade, the Ogre heaves against its restraints even harder, horns scraping the ceiling.]

Head #1: WE KILL YOU SECOND TIME!

Head #2: Break these chains, BREAK YOUR FACE!!

[Vorgun hops into the air and slaps the first head, which knocks it into the second head with a satisfying thud.]

Vorgun: I despise your kind. Listen this time: you don’t speak until spoken to. [Vorgun disappears in a poof of smoke and reappears on the shoulders of the enormous creature, legs locked around the neck of the dumber head. He presses his blade to its singular eye, and the Ogre stops thrashing.]

Vorgun: That’s much better. It’s all fun and games until somebody loses their eye.

[The Ogre doesn't respond.]

Vorgun: So let’s get right to it, big guy… er… guys. Tell me about your puny little “Imperator” in Highmaul.

Head #1: Imperator Mar’gok smarter than tiny dead thing!

Head #2 is silent.

Head #1: He use powerful magics – Even Ko’ragn won’t challenge him. You never beat him!

Vorgun: Ko’ragh? Sounds like a gentle little talbuk to me…

Head #1: Ko’ragh POWERFUL! Your magics no hurt him one bit!

[Head #2 is silent.]

Vorgun: Hmph. I rather thought there’d be more to your defenses, but perhaps I expected too much of the “prime age” of the Ogres…

Head #1: Ogre defenses too stronk for you!! Twin Ogron Pol and Phemos will CRUSH YOU before you even get to Ko’ragh! And dat not counting rock monster and creepy spore walker!

[Head #2 gulps.]

Head #1: Ha! And all dat no matter – the Butcher will chop you up good! Along with –

[Head #1 falls silent. Vorgun suddenly shoves the blade into the second head's face, barely touching the white of one eye. Its jaw quivers.]

Vorgun: Along with what, sir?

Head #1: NO. Me done talking!! Sword-hand Orc no like it when—

Vorgun: “Sword-hand Orc?” I see… Of course it wouldn’t be an Ogre giving the orders… no, the brains of the operation would of course have to be outsourced…

Head #1: Stupid sword-hand Orc no rule Ogre! Ogre rule ogre!!

[Vorgun gently pats Head #1.]

Vorgun: There there, no need to get defensive.

[Commander Täl Skywalker of the Tauren Marines enters the hut.]

Täl: Allright Skinny, we’ve got what we wanted. Cut that thing loose and write up the report.

Vorgun: You got it, Boss.

<Signed>
Vorgun Gallyrn
Interrogator, Tauren Marines

——————————————————————————————————————–

Vorgun smiled as he put the finishing touches on the report. He turned back to the Ogre and smiled that dashing smile – quite the feat for a Forsaken. “Well gentlemen, we’re all finished here. I surely do appreciate your help, but before we part ways I have one more question for you: Why are two heads better than one?” The Ogre blinks, gears turning at a rickety top speed in both heads. “There are twice the number of throats to cut.”

AFTER ACTION REVIEW (AAR)
SUBJECT: Nagrand QRF
REFERENCE: None

MISSION: The Tauren Marines conduct QRF of Nagrand NLT 25NOV14 in order to provide friendly Horde elements freedom of movement; the secondary objective being to gather Garrison resources via hunting for rare creatures and enemies.

ACTIONS ON: The Tauren Marines began the patrol at War’vor, where a stray Alliance warrior decided to gank the XO. The Corps reacted immidiately and with extreme prejudice. Following formation, the Corp moved in a clockwise fashion around Nagrand, hunting for rare creatures and enemies. The call went out to all Horde that we were patrolling the AO and offering to interdict all Alliance gankers, but there were no reports of hostile Alliance the entire evening.

In all, the Corps accomplished the following in the one-hour long patrol:

1x Cheeky Alliance Warrior slain
9+ Rares slain, with all their attendant treasures
200+ Garrison Resources Collected
1x Bonus Objective Area cleared
2x Steamwheedle Cartel Artifacts collected
1x Achievement “Making the Cut,” which awarded Brawler’s Guide invitations
1x Recruit (Welcome, Harakhan!)

SUSTAINS/IMPROVES: While extremely productive, the patrol did not encounter any significant Alliance hostility. The next patrol will be through a more Alliance-contested area to ensure that all Horde elements retain freedom of movement.

<Signed>
Täl Skywalker
Tauren Marines, Commanding